System for filling a flexible sealable container

ABSTRACT

A flexible bag and device for supporting such bags in an open position to facilitate rapid filling. The device includes adjustable support means to enable its use with bags of various sizes. The bag includes means to cooperate with the support means and prevent variations in the size of the bag opening during filling.

O United States Patent [151 3,646,723

Meroney 1 Mar. 7, 1972 [54] SYSTEM FOR FILLING A FLEXIBLE 2,899,161 8/1959 Bayard ..248Il0l AL SE ABLE CONTAINER I FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS [72] Invent $5111; ",gggggjfgggP 270,432 4/1966 Australia ..24s/|oo [22] Filed: Oct. 23, 1968 Primary Examiner-Travis S. McGehee [21] Appl N0 2 771,384 Attorney-Robert L. Slater, Jr.

[57] ABSTRACT 1 3 A flexible bag and device for supporting such bags in an open [58] Field 0 Search 53/390 248/100 101 position to facilitate rapid filling. The device includes adjustable support means to enable its use with bags of various sizes. [56] References Cited The bag includes means to cooperate with the support means and prevent variations in the size of the bag opening during UNITED STATES PATENTS fillin 2,790,59l 4/1957 Rosen ..53/384 X 8 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTEBMAR 71972 I 3,646,723

SHEET 3 0F 3 INVENTOR ALBERT H. MERONEY ATTORNEY SYSTEM FOR FILLING A FLEXIBLE SEALABLE CONTAINER This invention is a continuation-in-part of my US. Pat. application filed on Dec. 2, 1966, Ser. No. 598,685, entitled Flexible Sealable Container and System for Filling, and now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The subject invention relates to a device for bagging articles for commerce. More particularly, it relates to a novel flexible readily sealed bag or container and device for temporarily mounting such flexible bags with the filling vents open to facilitate rapid filling.

Flexible lightweight polymer containers or bags of all sizes have become commonplace for wrapping innumerable articles in factories, warehouses, stores, laboratories, homes and elsewhere. Materials commonly used for these containers include polyvinyl, polyethylene, mylar and an expanding list of other polymer materials. All of these synthetic polymer materials exhibit the property of a high dielectric constant and accordingly during ordinary handling easily accumulate and hold a large electrostatic surface charge.

Thin polymer film containers are notoriously difficult to fill when an electrostatic charge holds the panels in close juxtaposition and most frequently closes the filling vent. The generation of electrostatic charge on polymer film is due to triboelectric effect whenever the film surfaces are mechanically brushed with any of a variety of other dielectric substances or with surfaces of the same polymer film.

Automated filling machinery avoids the problem of electrostatic charge and the difficulties of handling polymer film wrapping and bagging materials by means of electrostatic charge grounding and by use of air jets and mechanical means which firmly controls the position of the film material during the bagging or wrapping operation.

The numerous advantages attainable from wrapping or bagging articles of all kinds, miscellaneous manufacturers parts, foods, confectionaries, etc., in polymer film containers are known to everyone. Such containers are available in transparent, translucent or opaque films, all in various colors; they are resealable, they protect the contents from soiling, from moisture, from corrosive effects of the air, from desiccation, from scratches or bruises during handling and numerous other hazards.

Many circumstances require bagging in polymer film containers of small quantities of items. Examples of this need are found at retail green grocers counters, retail confectioners, manufacturing plants testing and assembling small parts, wholesalers of small merchandise, and hardware and notion retail stores; numerous additional examples may also be readily listed. Accordingly, there is a need for inexpensive apparatus or a system of apparatus and expendable supplies which aid in hand-packaging small quantities of articles in flexible polymer containers or bags. There is a need for a system that reduces the inconvenience experienced in attempting to fill polymer film flexible containers when such containers may become highly charged electrostatically.

Bagging operations carried out with automated machinery normally fill the polymer film containers and apply a paper collar over the exterior of the filling aperture in order to seal and label the contents of the container. The cost of equipment to fill and seal such polymer containers is substantial and operation of such equipment is limited to use for only large quantity processes. Heretofore polymer film containers or bags having filling openings and having sealable collars attached to the unfilled and unsealed containers for application for small quantity requirements have not been provided.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The device of the subject invention includes support means for positively maintaining a flexible bag in an open position for filling. Movable stop means are provided to enable various size flexible bags to be accommodated by the same support means.

A flexible bag is provided having an aperture through which a supporting reel extends. The aperture comprises a lower aperture portion of a larger area than an upper aperture portion. Stop means normally block outward or forward movement of the bags. By merely lifting the bags upward, the larger area of the lower aperture portion permits passage of the bags over the stops. The flexible bags include a paper collar which enables sealing of the opening after the bag has been filled by stapling or with a suitable adhesive.

A primary object, therefore, of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive hand'operated system and prepared unsealed containers for bagging small quantities of articles in polymer film containers.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a simple means to avoid the adverse effects which occur during the filling or wrapping procedure of polymer film flexible containers when electrostatic charge accumulates on the container surface.

Another object of this invention is to provide inexpensive means for holding polymer film containers during filling which will not contribute to generation of electrostatic charges thereon, and will not risk tearing the polymer film.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a novel unsealed polymer film container or bag adopted for quick fill and seal operations without employing costly machine methods.

Still another object is to provide a device which enables the dimension of the bag opening through which the articles for filling are inserted, to be positively controlled.

Another object is to provide a flexible bag having an aperture comprising one portion thereof having a greater area than the remaining portion whereby the larger area portion of the aperture enables the bag to be readily moved over blocking stops on a bag support device or completely removed from such device.

These and other objects and advantages of my invention will be apparent from the following drawings, specification and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring to the drawings in which the same characters of reference are employed to indicate corresponding or similar parts throughout the several figures of the drawing.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of my invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of the embodiment of my invention shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a second preferred embodiment of my invention;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view showing means for suspending containers which are utilized by my invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates still a third embodiment of my invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a top view of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective exploded view of the device in FIG. 6; and

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the device in FIG. 6 mounted on a conventional step ladder.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of my invention and is comprised of a vertical panel 10 which is secured to a base 12. The vertical panel 10 and base 12 are of such dimensions and proportions that the vertical panel will remain in an upright position while articles are suspended therefrom.

Rodlike brackets 14, I6 and 18 are rigidly mounted to the panel 10, the brackets may be threaded and simply rotated into a fixed position in threaded holes prepared to receive them. An alternative method of mounting the rodlike brackets 14,16 and 18 to the vertical panel 10 is discussed below in connection with FIG. 3. The brackets are provided with small hooks at the respective ends thereof,-l4a, 16a and 18a.

A polymer film container 20 comprised of two generally rectangular panels 22 and 24 which are fastened together by welding or adhesive means about the perimeter thereof on three sides; the fourth side as shown in the illustration in FIG. 1 is left open preparatory to filling. A paper collar 28 is attached by polymer welding or by adhesive means along the unsealed edges of the panels forming the container. The welded seam about the periphery of the three sides fastening panels 22 and 24 together is shown at 26. Transverse apertures 30 and 32 are cut in the panel 24 at a spaced distance from the unsealed edge of the container, small apertures 34 and 36, in panel 22; the apertures 30 and 34, and 32 and 36, respectively, are aligned. A third set of transverse apertures 38 and 40 have been placed in the panels 22 and 24 in alignment such as may be seen in FIG. 1. The container 20 is shown suspended on the brackets 14, 16 and 18; the aforesaid brackets respectively are inserted through openings 30 and 34, 32 and 36, and through aperture 38.

The hook structures 14a, 16a and 18a engage the transverse apertures 30, 38 and 32, respectively. When the container 20 is positioned on the bracket 14, 16 and 18 as described above and illustrated in the drawing, the panels 22 and 24 are held in spaced relationship while the entire container is suspended in a vertical position with the open edge held upward. In this position the container may readily be filled. Little if any electrostatic charge is generated on the polymer film panels during the mounting of the container on the brackets in the open position as described above and illustrated. The brackets are normally made of metal and are accordingly conductive.

When the container 20 has been filled, it may be released from the brackets 14, 16 and 18 by merely pulling across the respective hook ends 140, 16a and 18a and freeing the container, normally the container can readily be sealed along the exposed edge of the collar 24 by polymer welding, by application of adhesive material, by stapling or by any of numerous other means.

The container 20 shown in the illustration has been provided with a collar 28, preferably of light cardboard which is attached about the perimeter of the open side, such collar assists in supporting the container. FIG. 2 more fully illustrates the mounting of the collar to the polymer film panels to form the complete container. The stiffened light cardboard collar aids in holding the container panels in proper position during the filling process and contributes a convenient means for suspending the container after filling.

A temporary supply of containers is shown at 46, positioned on the bracket adjacent to vertical panel 10. The containers may be quickly pulled into position onto the bracket hooks 14a, 16a and 1811, one at a time to facilitate rapid bagging ofa small quantity of articles.

FIG. 3 is illustrative of a variation of the embodiment of my invention shown in FIG. 1. A panel normally mounted to stand in a vertical position is provided with a single aperture 52 through which a rodlike bracket 56 may be inserted. The rod end inserted into the aperture 52 may be clamped on the reverse side of the panel 50 by insertion of a thumbscrew clamp 58 over the end ofthe rod 56.

The rodlike bracket 56 is provided with a scalloped curve which may also be described as an s curve approximately midway between the two ends thereof, a hook 62 is provided at the end of the rodlike bracket 56. The hook 62 is also generally s shaped. A container 64 made of two rectangular polymer film panels 70 and 72 sealed about three edges at the perimeter and opened along the fourth edge is suspended by means of two small transverse aligned apertures 76 and 78, provided in the panels 70 and 72, respectively. The transverse apertures 76 and 78 are located centrally a short distance from the edge of the open side of the container 64.

The container 64 may be readily suspended in an open condition by engaging the scalloped section 60 and the hook 62 of the bracket 56 in apertures 78 and 76, respectively. The above arrangement may be readily visualized by reference to FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view of a container which has been filled and sealed. A display board 82 on which short horizontal support rods 84 have been mounted will serve to suspend the filled container 86; the support rod 84 being passed through the transverse aperture 88 in the container. The support rod 84 is selected for a convenient size to readily insert through the transverse aperture 88.

FIG. 5 illustrates still another embodiment of my invention which is best suited for packaging heavier or larger objects, a vertical panel 102 is provided with means for mounting two rodlike brackets 106 and 108. The brackets 106 and 108 are positioned parallel to one another in the vertical panel 102 and normally horizontal to the ground surface; that is, at right angles to vertical panels 102. A polymer film container 110 which may be prepared by sealing two generally rectangular panels 112 and 114 about three sides, the fourth side remaining unsealed and open. A light cardboard collar 124 is attached to the panels about the periphery of the open edge thereof. Transverse apertures 116, I18, and 122 are provided in the collar 124 and panels 114 and 112, respectively. The transverse apertures are a spaced distance from the open edge of the container 110, and are aligned, apertures 116 with 118, and 120 with 122. The arrangement described is readily visualized by reference to FIG. 5. The container 110 may be readily mounted in an open condition supported by bracket 106 and 108 by insertion of the respective brackets through apertures 116 and 118, and 120 and 122. A scalloped curve 130, 132 respectively is provided in a midposition in each of the brackets 106 and 108. A hook with a generally s-shaped curve 134, 136 respectively is provided at the extreme ends of the brackets 106 and 108.

A supply of polymer film containers shown at 140 may be temporarily stored on brackets 106 and 108 preparatory to filling.

Turning now specifically to FIGS. 6 through 9, the reference numeral 200 indicates another preferred embodiment of bagging device of my invention. The bagging device 200 includes a frame 202 comprising a vertical backplate 204 and a baseplate 206.

Side rod members 208, 210 are rigidly mounted to the backplate 204. Inner rod members 212, 214 are spaced apart between side rod members 208, 210 and also rigidly mounted to back panel 204. The side rod members 208, 210 and inner rod members 212, 214 may be externally threaded to securely engage into accommodating threaded apertures formed in backplate 204, or otherwise suitably rigidly secured to the back panel. As shown, side rod members 208, 210 are substantially longer than inner rods members 212, 214.

A flexible bag 216 comprised of two substantially rectangular panels 218, 220 (FIGS. 1 and 2) are fastened together at three sides of the perimeter by heat welding, adhesive means or other suitable means; the fourth side of the panels 218, 220, as shown in FIG. 6, are left unattached preparatory for filling. Panels 218, 220 for convenience of description are designated respectively front and rear panels.

A collar 222 formed of paper or other suitable material is securely attached to the upper or unsealed end of the bags 216. The collar may include an adhesive covered by a backing paper (not shown) whereby upon removal of the backing material, after filling of the bag, the fourth edge of each panel 218, 220 may be pressed together into a secure contact.

A pair of side or outer apertures 224 and a pair of inner apertures 226 are formed spaced apart through collar 222 on each panel 218, 220. The side rod members 208, 210 and inner rod members 212, 214 extend respectively through side apertures 224 and inner apertures 226.

The side and inner apertures 224, 226 each includes a lower aperture portion 228 and an upper elongated aperture portion 230. The lower aperture portion 228 has greater area than upper aperture portion 230.

Flexible movable dams 232 are press fitted onto side rod members 208, 210. Circular stops 234 are press fitted on the inner rod members 212, 214. The dams 232 and stops 234 are dimensioned greater than the upper portion 230 of the apertures 224, 226, but fit through lower portion 228 of the apertures 224, 226.

A plurality of bags 216 are held in place by the stops 234 as shown in FIG. 6. The dams 232 are positioned at a point on the side rod members 208, 210 to provide the desired opening when the panels 218, 220 of the outermost bags 216 are spread apart between the stops 232 and dams 230 (see FIG. 6). To operatively position the bag 216 for filling, the front panel 218 of the bag 216 is raised so that stops 234 are cleared by the larger space of the lower aperture portion 228 of the inner apertures 226, as the front panel 220 is manually moved outwardly. Similarly, the front panel 220 is again raised to permit the dams 232 to be cleared by the larger space of lower aperture portion 228 of the side apertures 224. Thus, in the operative open position for the bags 216, the rear panel 220 is held in place by stops 234 and the front panel 218 is held in place by dams 232.

The backplate 204 and baseplate 206 are adjustablealong the length of a pair of spaced apart U-ehanneled bar members 240. A plurality of rectangular slots 242 are formed in the bar members 240 (FIGS. 6 and 8).

Brackets 244 are secured to the side of baseplate 206 and brackets 248 are secured to the inner surface of backplate 204. Right-angled fingers 252 protrude out from inner edge of the brackets 244 to extend within slots 242 of the bar members 240. Similarly, fingers 254 protrude out from the inner edge of brackets 248 to also extend within openings 242. Thus, the backplate 204 and baseplate 206 may be adjusted anywhere along the bar members 240 and thereby permitting the device to be used with bags 216 of various lengths.

As shown in FIG. 9, a conventional ladder may be used as a convenient portable support on which the bar members 240 may be rigidly mounted. With such an arrangement, the filler may work from one of the steps of the ladder to remove articles from a higher level for inserting into the bags 216.

The foregoing specification and description of embodiments of my invention is intended as merely illustrative of the scope of my invention as set forth in the following claims.

I claim:

1. in a device for filling containers, each of said containers having a front panel and a rear panel, said panels being in an open position for filling when spread apart, a frame and rod means for supporting said containers, apertures formed at the upper end of each panel to permit said rod means to extend through, said rod means comprising:

a pair of spaced side rods and an intermediate rod disposed between the side rods, said intermediate rod being a meavsured length shorter than the side rods, each of said rods including an inner end secured to said frame;

a front scallop means formed on each said side rods adjacent the outer end thereof, said front scallop means comprising a lower hump for supporting the front panel of the container and an upper hump for preventing the front panel from moving inward toward the rear panel; and

a stop means formed at the outer end of said intermediate rod for retaining the rear panel in a spaced relationship with the front panel when the front panel is supported by said front scallop means.

2. In a device for filling bags, each of said bags having a front panel and a rear panel, support means for supporting said bags, said panels being in an open-position for filling when spread apart, said support means comprising:

a frame;

a pair of spaced side rod rigidly secured to said frame;

an inner rod rigidly secured to the frame and spaced between the side rods;

a stop positioned on the inner rod to prevent outward movement of the rear panel of the bag; and

a movable dam positioned on each of said side rods to prevent inward movement of the front panel toward the rear panel and control the dimension of the opening of the ba between said stop and said dam. 3. The evice of claim 2 wherein said movable dams are flexible and press fit on said outer rods.

4. The device of claim 2 wherein the side rods are longer than the inner rod, said stop is positioned at the outer end of the inner rod.

5. The device of claim 2 wherein said aperture means comprises an upper aperture portion and a lower aperture portion, said lower portion of the aperture being dimensioned to permit the bag to pass over said stop or darn.

6. The device of claim 2 includes a second inner rod spaced from the first mentioned inner rod and positioned between said side rods, said aperture means comprising four apertures formed in each of said panels of the bags, said stop preventing outward movement of the rear panel and said movable stops preventing inward movement of the front panel when said bag is in an operative open position for filling articles.

7. The device of claim 2 wherein said frame comprises:

a movable backplate;

a movable baseplate; and

support means for securely receiving said movable backplate and baseplate.

8. The device of claim 7 wherein said support means includes a pair of spaced bar members, slots being formed spaced apart along each of said bar members;

right-angled fingers extend out from said backplate and baseplate to extend through the slots, said fingers abutting against the defining edges of the slots of the bar members for securing said plates to the bars; and

means for securing said bar members to an external wall surface. 

1. In a device for filling containers, each of said containers having a front panel and a rear panel, said panels being in an open position for filling when spread apart, a frame and rod means for supporting said containers, apertures formed at the upper end of each panel to permit said rod means to extend through, said rod means comprising: a pair of spaced side rods and an intermediate rod disposed between the side rods, said intermediate rod being a measured length shorter than the side rods, each of said rods including an inner end secured to said frame; a front scallop means formed on each said side rods adjacent the outer end thereof, said front scallop means comprising a lower hump for supportinG the front panel of the container and an upper hump for preventing the front panel from moving inward toward the rear panel; and a stop means formed at the outer end of said intermediate rod for retaining the rear panel in a spaced relationship with the front panel when the front panel is supported by said front scallop means.
 2. In a device for filling bags, each of said bags having a front panel and a rear panel, support means for supporting said bags, said panels being in an open-position for filling when spread apart, said support means comprising: a frame; a pair of spaced side rod rigidly secured to said frame; an inner rod rigidly secured to the frame and spaced between the side rods; a stop positioned on the inner rod to prevent outward movement of the rear panel of the bag; and a movable dam positioned on each of said side rods to prevent inward movement of the front panel toward the rear panel and control the dimension of the opening of the bag between said stop and said dam.
 3. The device of claim 2 wherein said movable dams are flexible and press fit on said outer rods.
 4. The device of claim 2 wherein the side rods are longer than the inner rod, said stop is positioned at the outer end of the inner rod.
 5. The device of claim 2 wherein said aperture means comprises an upper aperture portion and a lower aperture portion, said lower portion of the aperture being dimensioned to permit the bag to pass over said stop or dam.
 6. The device of claim 2 includes a second inner rod spaced from the first mentioned inner rod and positioned between said side rods, said aperture means comprising four apertures formed in each of said panels of the bags, said stop preventing outward movement of the rear panel and said movable stops preventing inward movement of the front panel when said bag is in an operative open position for filling articles.
 7. The device of claim 2 wherein said frame comprises: a movable backplate; a movable baseplate; and support means for securely receiving said movable backplate and baseplate.
 8. The device of claim 7 wherein said support means includes a pair of spaced bar members, slots being formed spaced apart along each of said bar members; right-angled fingers extend out from said backplate and baseplate to extend through the slots, said fingers abutting against the defining edges of the slots of the bar members for securing said plates to the bars; and means for securing said bar members to an external wall surface. 